TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

'Don't Be Afraid To Try Something New'

Tribune photo by VICTOR JUNCO

Looking for some variety in her workouts, Maura Sampson incorporated a new workout strategy and joined several fitness classes.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 7, 2008

Maura Sampson, 51, Tampa

Goal: To look and feel my best after turning 50! To enhance health and fitness routine to include a total body workout and more variety.

Why I Did It: I was told by a fitness instructor, "You need to get out of your box!"

How I Did It: Turning 50 can be a traumatic time for any adult. Rather than wallowing in self-pity at the impending aging process, I decided to celebrate my age. As my two sons were grown, I was able to focus my energy on my own health and fitness routine. I had always tried to watch my diet and to exercise regularly, but I realized that I had become stagnant in my routine and that it was not challenging.

Most individuals have a problem area of their body that they would like to change. My focus was entirely on toning my legs. For about four years, I was going to the gym at 6 a.m. for 30 minutes, five days a week before work. My workout would include jogging on the treadmill for 30 minutes while watching the morning news, or riding the exercise bike for 30 minutes while reading The Tampa Tribune, or a combination of both. I also would do a 6-mile walk/run on Bayshore Boulevard during the weekend. It was very mundane.

I never attempted to use the weights or the other machines available to me. I ignored suggestions from other club members and trainers to try some of the classes. I was very closed-minded and comfortable with my routine.

I participated in three to five road races a year beginning about seven years ago, including 5K, 10K and half-marathon road races and, most recently, a 42-flight stair challenge to the top of the Bank of America building in downtown Tampa. Despite these efforts, I was not seeing any noticeable results.

In frustration, I decided to attend a workout boot camp at my health club. After the first session, I was in agony for several days. I had exercised muscles that I had never worked in the past. After whining to the fitness instructor about how rigorous his class had been for me, he replied, "You need to get out of your box!" He had seen my workout for years and was well-aware that my previous program was not sufficient for me.

His words stuck with me. I decided to follow his advice and to incorporate a new workout strategy. I sampled a wide variety of classes, including boot camp, turbo kick, lift, Zumba, yoga and hip-hop. I chose several classes to attend weekly in conjunction with my previous workout routine. Despite my initial hesitance at participating in fitness classes, I quickly realized how much I enjoyed them and how beneficial they were for a total body workout.

Hurdles: It was hard for me to go outside of my comfort level. I had been doing the same exercise routine for years and did not want to change. I was resistant to participating in any type of exercise class and felt more confident working out on my own at my own pace.

Going The Distance: I have attended boot camp twice a week for the past month and I am already seeing results and feel much healthier. My new routine includes going to the gym at 6 a.m. three mornings per week. But I now combine several evening classes, including boot camp twice a week and one other evening class. I try a new one each week. I continue to enjoy exercising on Bayshore at least once each week.

I think my new routine is a healthier combination of a total body workout, which incorporates both individual and group activity. Also, I am careful to keep my new routine in balance with my family, friends, career and social life. I am happy to report I am out of my box!

Best Advice: Don't be afraid to try something new. Challenge yourself. Try a variety of activities and select those that best suit your lifestyle. Select a time schedule for your workouts that you are most likely to follow.

Keyword: Made It, to tell us about a personal fitness goal you have reached and how you accomplished it. Or send your story to mshedden@tampatrib.com or Mary Shedden, The Tampa Tribune, 200 S. Parker St., Tampa FL 33606.

Share this:

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT